Sur, located in the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah, Oman, is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations and a key district in South Al Sharqiyah. It serves as its regional capital and is situated about 150 km southeast of the capital, Muscat.
Historically, Sur has been renowned for shipbuilding, maritime trade, and fishing, with a long maritime history. It is bordered by the sea to the east, and one of its most beautiful areas is the Al Hija region, home to one of the oldest maritime lighthouses in the Sultanate, guiding ships to the harbor.
Sur is a regional center in the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah, and it is one of the most important districts in the governorate, located in the northern part. It is bordered by the districts of Quriyat to the north, Jalan Bani Bu Ali to the south, Wadi Bani Khalid and Al Kamil Wal Wafi to the west, and the Arabian Sea to the east.
The city of Sur played a leading and historical role in trade, navigation, and enjoyed longstanding and strong relations with the sea. It has a rich history in maritime trade, with ships sailing from its coast (such as Mokha) to major global markets like India, China, East Africa, and the Iranian coasts. Sur was known for various industries, including shipbuilding, woodworking, textile, sweets, daggers, and the traditional craftsmanship of women’s jewelry made of gold and silver, as well as leather and palm leaf industries. The region is rich in diverse and ancient folk arts such as Al-Rizha, Al-Midan, Al-Tashhash, and maritime arts.
Sur has witnessed the blessed Omani renaissance laid by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and today, under the reign of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, it receives significant attention to achieve a tourism renaissance through the establishment of service and tourism facilities, including hotels, resorts, natural parks, municipal gardens, parks, and beautiful beaches.
The captivating white sandy beaches of Qalhat, which are considered a tourist attraction, attract marine tourism enthusiasts and campers from within and outside Oman. For adventure and mountain tourism enthusiasts, the towering mountains of Qalhat, rising 2300 meters above sea level, provide a perfect setting for camping, away from the noise of cities and vehicle emissions.
Sur, with its historical significance, joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2018. The historical city of Qalhat, located in Oman, has gained its greatness over millions of years. It has been visited by numerous explorers, including Marco Polo in the 13th century, who called it “Galaati” in his native Italian. He mentioned the city and described its large port, which was frequented by many trading ships coming from India due to its importance as a commercial port and intermediary for transporting various goods to different regions of Oman.
The city also boasts the Bibi Maryam Mausoleum as one of the historical landmarks, adorned with intricate engravings and featuring a well-proportioned dome. Additionally, the city contains the tomb of Bibi Maryam, a water tank for drinking water, a water basin, as well as some other buildings and traces of graves surrounded by city walls.
Sur continues to be a place of tranquility and relaxation, away from the hustle and pollution of cities, offering the pleasure of camping on the mountains of Qalhat. This area is known for its natural charm, wildflowers, serene atmosphere, and the presence of wild animals roaming its grounds.
